© 2011 David Burnett

A Celebration of Innovation: Colleagues Weigh in on David Shanks as Publishing Person of the Year

Feature

As you know, Publisher's Weekly named Penguin Group (USA) CEO David Shanks the 2011 Person of the Year. Employees around the company agree. Here is what some people who work closely with David think.

“David Shanks is the most restless publisher I have ever known. He never wakes up in the morning believing that what worked yesterday will necessarily work today. So he is constantly challenging every assumption in our industry through the filter of his extraordinary experience, knowledge and judgment. He is also an exemplary colleague and boss, tough but always fair-minded and compassionate. These qualities have delivered an outstanding record of growth and profitability at Penguin USA, year after year. I cannot think of a worthier recipient of this award.”—John Makinson, Chairman and CEO, Penguin Group

“David embodies everything a great leader is: wise, forward-looking, someone who motivates, someone who inspires, someone who is accessible and has a warm sense of humor, and someone who always looks at everything with an acute and original eye. He knows our business inside and out, and he has a clear vision for where our business is going. I can't imagine a better boss — and friend — to work for during this exciting time. What a fitting honor for someone who is Penguin's person of the year, every year.”—Susan Kennedy, President of Penguin Group (USA)

“David and I have worked together for over twenty years. He's been a wonderful mentor, a strong, smart, motivating leader and a warm and compassionate person. I am proud to work for him and consider him a valued colleague and friend.”—Leslie Gelbman, President, Mass Market Paperbacks, Penguin Group (USA)

“I love working with David Shanks. He provides a very steady hand on the helm. He is there when you need him and never asks you to waste time and energy on anything that is not directly related to the success of the company, and he cares about you.”—Don Weisberg, President, Penguin Young Readers Group

“I have worked for David for 22 years and there is an obvious reason he has won PW's Person of The Year award. He listens, respects his people and directs when needed. His vision and creativity to solve problems is the best in this industry. His door is always open to anyone in the company and for that, everyone will go to the wall for David and Penguin.”—Dick Heffernan, President, Hardcover Sales, Penguin Group (USA)

“David is ‘AWESOME’”—Norman Lidofsky, President, Paperback Sales, Penguin Group (USA)

“David is a leader who goes out and makes things happen. We learn and are inspired everyday by his vision, active engagement, and imagination. He has made Penguin US a place where excellence, creativity and opportunities flourish, and as a result the company has done great things.”—Marilyn Ducksworth, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Penguin Group (USA)

“David is an incredibly inspiring leader. He is amazingly generous with his time and is interested in hearing everyone's thoughts, from business leaders to interns. And he doesn't just ask; he really listens! I'm so very proud to be part of his team here at Penguin. He makes every one of us better at what we do.”—Paige McInerney, Vice President, Human Resources, Penguin Group (USA)

“David is a thoughtful leader who really listens to his people. Penguin a place where new ways of thinking is encouraged and appreciated, and no doubt that is due to David's accessibility as a leader and sincere support of his people.”—Stephanie Sabol, Manager, National Accounts, Children's Digital Sales, Penguin Group (USA)

“The first time I heard David speak was when I was a summer intern. He gave a group of us advice about how to succeed, not just in publishing, but in any industry. The advice was both inspiring and truthful; he didn't pull any punches, but everyone left feeling inspired. I've since had the pleasure of speaking to David quite a bit and always come away with renewed energy and drive. We're lucky to have a CEO who has his mind on both the present and the future, someone who, though he's unimaginably busy, still thinks it's important every once and a while to meet with eager interns wearing ugly ties.”—Matthew Boyd, Manager, Publishing and Special Marketing, Penguin Group (USA)

“Early on in my career, I worked as an assistant in the Berkley Publisher's office and sat one cubicle away from David's office. I was surrounded by people who not only possessed a strong work ethic, but who also made coming to work fun! That, to me, is Penguin, and for that I credit David. I think anyone who has worked for David can tell you that his strengths extend far beyond his professional accomplishments; he has motivated each and every one of us in so many ways, and I am truly grateful for all that I have learned from him over the years.”—Jennifer Long, Assistant Manager, Customer Communication, Penguin Group (USA)

“David is an amazing boss, I feel honored to work for him. His drive and compassion are unmatched. As a young professional, I am inspired by his motivation and leadership everyday.”—Allison Smith, Executive Assistant to David Shanks

Congratulate David Shanks on his prestigious award from Publishers Weekly! Let us know on NEO.